"Of course, the master is very wise, but it seems to me that he has added so much, from time to time, to the original mixture, and so much has been taken away, as to make it all very uncertain." "I daresay," assented Marietta.

"For some time I have thought so.

But we must carry out his wishes to the letter, else he will always believe that the experiments might have succeeded if he had stayed here." "Of course," said Zorzi.

"We should make tests of all three crucibles to-day, if it is only to make more room for the things that are to be put in." "Where is the copper ladle ?" asked Marietta.

"I do not see it in its place." "I have none--I had forgotten.